In a statement published on 12 October 2026, UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced sanctions against two Iranian nationals for facilitating or engaging in hostile activity on behalf of the Iranian regime, with what he described as the intent of threatening, planning or conducting attacks overseas. The individuals named were Ruhollah Bazghandi, described as head of counterespionage operations within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Shahram Ali Reza Tamarzadeh Jakki, described as a facilitator of the Zindashti criminal network involved in plots against Iranian dissidents. They face an immediate asset freeze, travel ban and director disqualification under the 2023 Iran Sanctions Regulations.

Miliband said he had instructed his department to summon Iran's ambassador, and the Foreign Office said Minister for the Middle East Stephen Doughty carried out the summons, telling the ambassador the UK would not tolerate intimidation, threats or hostile activity.

The statement cited UK-identified Iranian-backed threats to kill or kidnap individuals in the UK — at least 15 between 2022 and 2023, rising to more than 20 in 2025 — and said the IRGC had been designated in its entirety along with more than 550 Iranian individuals and entities.